ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
Remarks by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Opening Session of Second Global COVID Virtual Summit
President Biden
Vice President Haris
Excellencies,
Namaskar!
The Covid pandemic continues to disrupt lives, supply chains, and tests the resilience of open societies. In India, we adopted a people-centric strategy against the pandemic. We have made the highest ever allocation to our annual healthcare budget.
Our vaccination programme is the largest in the world. We have fully vaccinated almost 90 percent of the adult population, and more than 50 million children. India manufactures four WHO approved vaccines and has the capacity to produce five billion doses this year.
We supplied over 200 million doses to 98 countries, bilaterally and through COVAX. India has developed low-cost COVID mitigation technologies for testing, treating and data management. We have offered these capabilities to other countries.
India's Genomics Consortium has contributed significantly to the global database on the virus. I am happy to share that we will extend this network to countries in our neighborhood.
In India, we extensively used our traditional medicines to supplement our fight against COVID and to boost immunity, saving countless lives.
Last month, we laid the foundation of ''WHO Centre for Traditional Medicine'' in India, with an aim to make this age-old knowledge available to the World.
Excellencies,
It is clear that a coordinated global response is required to combat future health emergencies. We must build a resilient global supply chain and enable equitable access to vaccines and medicines.
WTO rules, particularly TRIPS need to be more flexible. WHO must be reformed and strengthened to build a more resilient global health security architecture.
We also call for stream-lining WHO's approval process for vaccines and therapeutics to keep supply chains stable and predictable. As a responsible member of the global community, India is ready to play a key role in these efforts.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Ministry of Defence
11th High Level Meeting  between the Indian Coast Guard and the Korean Coast Guard held in New Delhi
The 11th High Level Meeting  between the Indian Coast Guard and the Korean Coast Guard was held today in New Delhi, on 25 April, 2023. A seven-member delegation of Korean Coast Guard  led by Commissioner General KIM Jong Wook, Commissioner, Korea Coast Guard held a meeting with the team of Indian Coast Guard headed by Additional Director General Rakesh Pal, Officiating Director General. Both sides discussed the modalities to strengthen the existing relations in accordance with the provisions of the MoU for sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations.
The High Level Meeting  between the two Coast Guards is being organised under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding  signed in 2006. The HLM is focused at augmenting the operational level interaction and capacity building in the areas of Maritime Search & Rescue , Marine Pollution Response  and Maritime Law Enforcement .
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Special Campaign 3.0 in full swing in the Ministry of Women & Child Development to implement the targets identified during the preparatory stage of the campaign
More than 40000 Cleanliness sites across the country identified
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has been conducting the Special Campaign 3.0 on Swachhata within the Ministry and its Autonomous Bodies. The Ministry has identified more than 40,000 cleanliness sites across the country such as Anganwadi Centres, One Stop Centres and Child Care Institutions during the preparatory phase of the Special Campaign 3.0 which began from 15th of September, 2023. The Ministry is completely geared up to successfully implement the identified targets during the implementation stage of the Campaign which began from 02ndOctober, 2023 and will last up to 31st Oct. 2023. During the campaign, special attention is being given to declutter space, beautify the rooms within the Offices leading to increasing productivity of employees.
Under Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwada, Secretary, Women & Child Development administered Swachhata pledge to all officials of the Ministry to make the country clean and garbage-free.
The Officials of the Ministry also actively participated in Shramdaan during the observance of SwachhataDiwas.
Secretary, Women & Child Development also inspected the offices and record rooms of the Ministry located in various buildings as a part of Special Campaign 3.0
Daily progress is being monitored by a dedicated Team and uploaded on the SCPDM portal of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
MSME CARD
The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises,  in association with National Payment Corporation of India  had launched the MSME RuPay Credit Card on pilot basis, pan-India for Udyam registered MSMEs.
The MSME RuPay Credit Card provides a simplified payment mechanism to MSMEs to meet their business-related operational expenses like digital payments, utility bills payments, tax/statutory payments etc. and MSME borrowers also takes benefit of interest-free credit period on their business spends as per the bank's policy.
This information was given by Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
More than 6 lakhs direct and indirect employment generated through the 22 operational Mega Food Parks
38 Mega Food Parks approved so far in the country
As per Mega Food Park Scheme Guidelines, each Mega Food Park on being fully operational, would create direct and indirect employment of about 5000 persons. However, the actual configuration of a project may vary depending upon the business plan. Ministry has accorded final approval to 38 Mega Food Parks and in-principle approval to 3 Mega Food Parks in the country under the Mega Food Park scheme. About 6,66,000 direct and indirect employment have been generated by the 22 operational Mega Food Parks.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been implementing Mega Food Park Scheme  to create modern infrastructure for the food processing sector. The proposals under scheme for setting up of Mega Food Parks in the country are invited through Expression of Interest. The scheme is not State or Area specific. So far Ministry has approved 2 Mega Food Parks in Sonipat and Rohtak districts of Haryana being implemented by State government Agencies . There is no proposal with the Ministry for setting up of Mega Food Park in Bhiwani-Mahendragarh-CharkhiDadri districts of Haryana.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Loksabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
India-Bangladesh Police Chiefs’ Dialogue
The first Delegation-Level virtual Police Chiefs’ Dialogue between the Police chiefs of India and Bangladesh was held today in an environment of positivity and trust. While discussing ongoing bilateral cooperation, issues of mutual concern and the way forward, it was decided to further strengthen the relationship of the Police forces of the two countries. As a step toward that, designated ‘nodal points’ would be established for timely and effective handling and response to existing as well as emerging security and counter-terrorism challenges.
Both sides agreed to enhance their work jointly against terrorist entities including the Global Terrorist Groups, as well as other fugitives, wherever they are present and active. Both sides reiterated the need for sharing of real time intelligence and feedback through the designated ‘nodal points’, while appreciating each other’s ongoing action against insurgent groups operating in the region.
The scope of enhanced coordination to combat trans-border criminal activities, including smuggling of drugs, Fake Indian Currency Notes , arms and ammunition and human trafficking was also discussed.
In view of the limitations imposed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually and in a shorter format. Both sides however emphasized the importance of this new high level mechanism, as the dialogue concluded with assurances of greater cooperation on both the sides to address all security challenges in future. The institution of Police Chiefs’ Dialogue, assisted by members of other security agencies on both sides, will further enhance the existing cooperation between the police forces of both countries, thereby further consolidating a relationship that transcends strategic partnership in this 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Bangladesh.
Ministry of Home Affairs
CRPF Celebrates 81st Raising Day
MoS Home Affairs Shri Nityananda Rai offers floral tribute to Martyrs, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi
CRPF today paid rich tributes to those who laid down their lives for the cause of the Nation at the National Police Memorial, New Delhi on the occasion of its 81st Raising Day.
Gracing the function, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityananda Rai offered floral tribute at the Memorial in honour of all those valiant soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the honour of the motherland.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Rai dwelt at length on the rich tradition of valour and sacrifice blazed by the Force personnel. Summing up the overarching spirit of the Force, the Minister said that CRPF lives for the country and dies for the country. He underlined the fact that CRPF leaves no stone unturned in winning the hearts of those who have turned against the nation to get them mainstreamed before coming down heavily on the anti-national elements-be they the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, insurgents in the North East or the Maoists. He expressed the hope that in the period ahead, Jammu and Kashmir will be free from the scourge of terrorism.
Shri Rai appreciated the role of CRPF in securing free and fair elections which in turn strengthened the democratic edifice of the country. He said the entire country feels a sense of pride over the impeccable qualities of service, valour, sacrifice and dedication to duty displayed by the CRPF personnel. On the occasion the Minister wished the Force achieve success in all its future endeavour in up-keeping the internal security of the country.
Shri Rai also visited the museum within the premises of the National Police Memorial before leaving the venue. Shri Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, DG, CRPF and a number of senior officers and jawans were present on the occasion. Various programmes are being organized in all the Force formations scattered across the length and breadth of the country to commemorate the Raising Day.
Later in the day, another commemorative function is scheduled at the India Gate, wherein the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Sh. Nityananda Rai will be the chief guest. The function, spread over more than an hour will feature CRPF music band display, motor cycle demonstration by women daredevils of the Force and the flagging in of the Rapid Action Force cycle expedition from Ahmedabad that will terminate at the India Gate today itself.
CRPF had been raised as the Crown Representative’s Police on this very day way back in 1939. It was given a fresh lease of life soon after independence when it was renamed and redesigned as the Central Reserve Police by on 28th December 1949 and was mandated to secure the internal security scenario of the country- a task which CRPF has been relentlessly carrying on with all dedication and unique valour for over 80 years now.
Ministry of Law and Justice
GRANTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILDREN COURTS
Children court is one of the subordinate court which comes within the domain of the State Governments who in consultation with their respective High Courts open such courts as per their needs and resources. In pursuance to the Criminal Law Act, 2018 making the punishment for offences like rape more stringent by including death penalty for rape of a girl below the age of 12 years and the direction of the Supreme Court of India in SuoMoto1/2019 dated 25.07.2019that “in each district of the country, if there are more than 100 cases under the POCSO Act, an exclusive/designated special Court will be set up, which will try no other offence except those under the POCSO Act”.Accordingly, Union of India started a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in October 2019 for setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Court  out of which 389 exclusive POCSO  Courts were earmarked for expeditious disposal of cases related to Rape and POCSO Act.
As on date, 28 States and Union Territories  have joined the scheme. The scheme was initially for one year which has been extended upto March, 2023. As per information made available by the High Courts, 764 FTSCs including 411 exclusive POCSO courts are operational in 28 States/UTs.
No separate funds are earmarked for any particular legal aid scheme/programme. The allocation of funds by the National legal Services Authority to State/UTs Legal Services Authorities is made on consolidated basis for all legal aid related activities as per the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.Funds/ grants-in-aid to State Legal Services Authorities are used only for legal aid activities and not for establishment and maintenance of observation homes etc. The statement showing the State wise allotment of funds to the State Legal Services Authorities including Supreme Court Legal Services Committee & Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee  during the financial year 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23  is given underAnnexure-I
This information was given by the Union Minister of Law & Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
New Union Ministers Call on Vice President
The New Ministers in the Union Cabinet have called on the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and apprised him of the activities undertaken by their respective Ministries.
The Minister of State  of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri called on Vice President yesterday. During the discussions, the Vice President noted with satisfaction that schemes like Smart Cities and Housing have taken off very well and suggested that momentum should be kept up and implementation accelerated in the coming months.
In his meeting with the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Shri Naidu underscored strengthening of various schemes for skill development, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities. He accepted the invitation of the Minister for attending a programme in Kolhapur in which more than 10,000 persons with disabilities will be provided with special aids and assistive devices.
Today morning, the Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal called on the Vice President. During his interaction with Shri Goyal, the Vice President advised him to speed up the progress of the ongoing projects expeditiously before rolling out new projects.
The Railway Minister also apprised him about the progress of various projects in Andhra Pradesh, including the South Coast Railway Zone , new railway line between Venkatachalam - Vellikallu and Obulavaripalle - Cherlopalli , redevelopment of Nellore railway station, steps being taken for passenger amenities at all railway stations between Krishnapatnam and Obulavanipalle stations.
Referring to Namburu  - Errupalem  railway line, Shri Naidu observed that the 106-kilometre railway line would facilitate connectivity to the State capital Amaravathi and wanted the two States and the Centre to work in Team India spirit to ensure its speedy execution.
As regards a few bottlenecks in the execution of Nadikudi - Srikalahasti railway line, the Vice President assured to speak to the Andhra Pradesh government for expediting the project.
The Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Shri Giriraj Singh called on Vice President and in his interaction, the Vice President suggested that a brainstorming session with entrepreneurs engaged in aquaculture and marine culture as well as poultry and dairy could be convened to get inputs for fast-tracking various ongoing initiatives which have great potential for improving the rural economy and exports.
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development; and the Union Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani called on the Vice President. The Vice President suggested that child labour is an issue which needs concerted action and offered to support the initiatives taken by the government to promote child rights.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
India Myanmar discuss border issues, connectivity projects in virtual meet
India seeks cooperation for early repatriation of trapped Indians in Myawaddy
India Myanmar take up drug trafficking, other transnational crimes in virtual meet
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri G Kishan Reddy held a virtual meeting with the Minister for Border Affairs of Myanmar today. In the context of recent developments inside Myanmar and their repercussions along India-Myanmar border region, the two sides discussed the need to ensure peace, stability and economic development along the border.
The two sides also discussed Government of India’s grant-in-aid connectivity projects in Myanmar aimed at infrastructure development in the country and economic well-being of the people of Myanmar.
It was emphasized that an early restoration of peace and security and implementation of development projects in Myanmar will benefit the people residing along both sides of the border. India also sought continued cooperation of the Myanmar authorities for early repatriation of trapped Indian nationals in the Myawaddy region.
Other issues discussed included creation of conducive conditions for the return of Myanmar nationals currently taking shelter in India, combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes, strengthening people to people exchanges in the bordering areas, Free Movement Regime, and ways to augment border trade.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DBT Foundation Day Celebrations
India rated among top 12 biotechnology destinations in the world
Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi is celebrating its 34th Foundation Day on 26th February, 2020 at the National Institute of Immunology , New Delhi.
The Minister for S&T, Earth Sciences and MoH&FW, Dr. Harsh Vardhan will be the Chief Guest and give away the Awards. Department since its inception has instituted various awards to encourage and recognize the contribution of scientists working in various research institutes, universities, scientific organizations, national laboratories etc at different levels across the country. Various awards instituted by DBT are now considered under an overarching umbrella as DBT BRITE Awards [Biotechnology Research Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards]. The Department has renamed few awards in honour of outstanding scientists of our country who have immensely contributed to the Indian Science and been an inspiration to scientific fraternity across the globe.
DBT BRITE Awards constitutes the following awards hosted by DBT:
- Har Gobind Khorana-Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
- S. Ramachandran-National Bioscience Award for Career Development
- Janaki Ammal Natioanl Women Bioscientist Award
- Tata Innovative Fellowship Award
- Biotechnology Social Development Award
The DBT Foundation day lecture will be delivered by eminent scientist Padma Shri Dr. D Balasubramaian, Emeritus Director, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.
The biotechnology sector in India has evolved over the last three decades and has made significant contribution in various sectors especially health, agriculture etc. Due to enormous support received both from government & private sector biotechnology sector has seen a rapid growth amounting to an annual growth rate of nearly 20%. India is rated among top 12 biotechnology destinations in the world.
It is the demand for biotechnology products and services that has been the fulcrum for setting an ambitious target of US$150 billion by 2025. Looking at the growth prospects, biotech sector plays a significant role in addressing major global challenges in sectors like health care, agriculture, energy, live stock etc. Since, our focus is on innovation and R&D, the Foundation Day of DBT is the right occasion to discuss what are the ways and strategies to be implemented to achieve set target or at least reach near the defined goals.
To do so, we need to nurture talent and reward them for their excellence so that they keep working towards nation building. Department since its inception has instituted various awards to encourage and recognize the contribution of scientists working in various research institutes, universities, scientific organizations, national laboratories etc at different levels across the country.
Ministry of Steel
NMDC’s Record August month Performance
NMDC’s great run continues with another record-setting month with a production of 3.06 MT and sale of 2.91 MT of iron ore in August. Like the months preceding it, August too recorded the best August production performance ever in the six decade long history of the company.
Production registered an 89% growth compared to August 2020. Sales during the month grew 63% over CPLY.
The production and sales for this FY upto August 2021 is up by 44% and 45% respectively compared to CPLY.

|
|
|
|
August 2020
|
|
August 2021
|
|
Up by
%
|
|
Upto August
2020
|
|
Upto August 2021
|
|
Up by
%
|
|
Production
|
|
1.62
|
|
3.06
|
|
89%
|
|
10.42
|
|
15.02
|
|
44%
|
|
Sales
|
|
1.79
|
|
2.91
|
|
63%
|
|
10.80
|
|
15.67
|
|
45%
Congratulating the NMDC team for surpassing expectations yet again, CMD NMDC Shri Sumit Deb said, “Our performance in the first five months of current fiscal is very encouraging. This also puts us in a strong position to pursue our plans for this fiscal with greater confidence. Appreciate the efforts of each and every employee for remaining focused in achieving our targets for FY22.”
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to address COP14 of UNCCD tomorrow
India has assumed the COP Presidency from China for two years
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi is going to address the High Level Segment of the 14th Conference of Parties  of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification  tomorrow. The Conference is being held in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The Conference is being held at a time when India has assumed the COP Presidency from China for two years. It will add to the global discourse on issues relating to the environment, especially land management. It is noteworthy that India has had the honour of hosting the COP of all three Rio Conventions on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Land Management.
During the Conference, an estimated 7,200 participants that include Ministers and representatives of governments, non-government and intergovernmental organizations, scientists, women and youth from the 197 parties are expected. They will take around 30 decisions with actions that aim to strengthen land-use policies worldwide and address emerging threats, such as forced migration, sand and dust storms, and droughts.
President's Secretariat
President of India addresses 24th convocation of Himachal Pradesh University
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 24th convocation of the Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since its inception, Himachal Pradesh University has played an important role in spreading education in the region. The University has been awarded an ‘A’ grade by the NAAC for compliance in its educational and social responsibilities. This is a matter of pride for any university. He noted that the Himachal Pradesh University was the first university to start teaching through distance education. And it is now heading towards becoming the country’s first model disabled friendly university.
Click here to see president’s speech